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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in diverse roles daily, ensuring safety and support within the prison environment.
- Company: Join HMP Bristol, a key player in the UK's justice system.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, meet health standards, and pass assessments.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 36000 £ per year.
HMP Bristol, 19 Cambridge Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8PS
Starting salary: £35,875 (for a 39‑hour week inc. 20% unsocial)
City/Town: Bristol
Region: South West
This role is not eligible for new Skilled Worker visas in accordance with the current immigration rules.
An extraordinary job
In this unique career, you’ll have the opportunity to carry out many different roles in any one day. During the recruitment process you will be assessed on:
- communicating and influencing
- managing a quality service
- making effective decisions
- caring
To become a prison officer, you will need to:
- be at least 18 years old at the commencement of employment
- meet the Civil Service nationality requirements
- pass a medical and fitness assessment
- meet the required eyesight standard in both eyes
- meet a suitable standard of hearing (without the use of hearing aids)
While tattoos are permitted, including those that are visible, they must not be deemed as offensive, discriminatory, violent, or intimidating in any way. Facial tattoos are generally not acceptable, except where this is for cultural, religious, or medical reasons. To work in a high‑security prison (category A) you must have been a resident in the UK for the last 3 years.
How to apply
Once you have completed your initial application form you will be invited to complete an online test to assess basic judgement and numerical skills. If you pass the online test, we will invite you to an online assessment centre (OAC). Once you’ve successfully completed the OAC and you are allocated to a vacancy, we will invite you to complete a medical and fitness test, covering an eyesight test, hearing test and basic health screening, including a blood pressure check.
Pay
The initial training is 37 hours a week. After training, you can choose to work 37, 39 or 41 hours a week. Your annual salary will reflect your weekly hours.
- 37 hours a week = £33,746 a year
- 39 hours a week = £35,875 a year
- 41 hours a week = £38,003 a year
All salary figures quoted include any additional allowances. The standard working week of a prison officer is based on a 39‑hour per week shift pattern.
Benefits
- 25 days’ annual holiday (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service)
- paid time off for public holidays and 1 extra privilege day
- Civil Service pension with employer contributions of 28.97%
- cycle‑to‑work scheme, travel loans and other benefits
Job offers: merit vacancy
This is a merit job vacancy. If you are successful at the online assessment centre you will be added to a merit list based on your score. When all applicants have completed the assessment centre, the prison will make job offers to individuals with the highest scores first when positions become available. You can stay on the merit list for 12 months. After this, you’ll need to apply again.
Operational Support Grade Role
Our Online Assessment Centre (OAC) will not only assess you against the key criteria to become a prison officer but will also determine your suitability for appointment as an operational support grade (OSG). If following attendance at your OAC you are unsuccessful in your application to become a prison officer, we may instead offer you an alternative role as an OSG.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Reasonable adjustment support
Just tick ‘yes’ when it asks if you think you might need a reasonable adjustment.
Contact
Call 0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm) or email Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com.
202601: Prison Officer - HMP Bristol employer: Ministry of Justice
Contact Detail:
Ministry of Justice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the role! Research what being a prison officer at HMP Bristol involves. Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice those online tests! The initial assessment includes judgement and numerical skills, so grab some practice papers or online resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the online assessment centre, be yourself and let your communication skills shine. They’re looking for people who can connect and influence others effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and tips on how to ace the recruitment process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace 202601: Prison Officer - HMP Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of a prison officer. Highlight your skills in communication, decision-making, and caring for others, as these are key traits we’re looking for.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Typos or missing information can slow down the process, and we want to get you through as smoothly as possible!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role you’re aiming for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a prison officer entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges of the role at HMP Bristol. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a prison officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or influenced others. This could be in a work setting or even in volunteer roles. Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult conversations or conflicts.
✨Showcase Decision-Making Abilities
During the interview, you may be asked about situations where you've had to make tough decisions. Think of specific instances where your judgement was tested, and explain your thought process. Highlight how you prioritised safety and well-being, as these are crucial in a prison environment.
✨Prepare for the Online Assessment Centre
If you pass the initial application, you'll face an online assessment centre. Brush up on basic judgement and numerical skills beforehand. Practising sample tests can help you feel more comfortable and improve your chances of scoring high enough to secure a spot on the merit list.
